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Spurgeon and Mothers

I finally finished Spurgeon’s lectures.
I really do enjoy reading Charles Spurgeon. He has such a way with a phrase, and a great wisdom and insight to the hearts of men.
These lectures were intended for pastoral students. There is all kinds of great wisdom for the man preparing himself to minister to the numberless needs of a church full of souls.
I actually read this book because Somebody, Somewhere…..and I don’t remember who it was……said that it’s easy for a pastor to get into the rut of thinking something like “I could get so much real ministry done, if I weren’t so continually bogged down by all these annoying people and their tedious needs!”
And my little heart froze, and I felt a little naked as if it were my own selfish unspoken thoughts being shouted out loud.
How often have I thought of all the really excellent things I could accomplish if I didn’t have to wash yet another sink full of dishes, or delay my important plans in order to restore peace, fold laundry, check over an algebra test, change somebody’s wet pants (again), or listen to another really really long story. Spurgeon reminds me that I need to get my heart right, before I try to set my kids hearts right. That I need to be sure I am using the tools and resources God has provided for me to the very best of my ability so that I can provide my little flock with the best possible care. That, as their educator, I cannot fail to prepare and then hope that God will just pour a thick layer of Grace over a mess I have made.

That obedience on my part means diligent study, a right understanding of my own tendencies to fail and also of theirs, and good courage and faithful obedience.
Knowing that these, with gentle perseverance, will bring rewards which I may never see, but which are a fragrant gift to God.

With these ideas in mind, I am taking a closer look at each day as it begins. Taking greater care to look at what’s on the schedule, pray over it, ask what could be left undone and also ask for wisdom to do the things I find least pleasant FIRST. It is astonishing to me to see how many times these past months, as I am praying early in the morning for good insight about how to proceed with my day and what to do and what to leave undone (as it’s not possible to do it all…) I will look up and find Jon is there with a few little requests for things he would very much like for me to do. I know for certain that this is an answer to my prayer. He is helping me prioritize, and it takes such a weight off my shoulders some days!